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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI China: National Day holiday consumption displays China’s economic vitality, potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tourists taste food at the Qianmen pedestrian street in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s just-concluded National Day holiday ignited a surge in consumer activity, fueled by a dynamic blend of travel demand and targeted incentives, highlighting the strong economic vitality of the world’s second largest economy.

    Over the seven-day holiday ending on Monday, more than 2 billion cross-regional trips were made nationwide, according to the Ministry of Transport, representing a 4.1-percent average daily increase compared to 2023.

    The surge in travel not only boosted tourism-related industries but also stimulated consumer spending across various sectors — highlighting the resilience of China’s domestic market during and beyond the holiday period.

    Local governments and businesses responded to the travel rush with innovative initiatives, such as consumer vouchers and home appliance trade-in programs, aimed at tapping into the holiday spirit and bolstering consumption.

    Tourism boom with inbound surge

    The holiday unleashed a travel frenzy. During the holiday period, a remarkable 765 million domestic trips were made, marking a 5.9 percent year-on-year increase, with total tourist spending surging 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.11 billion U.S. dollars).

    The travel boom was fueled by a growing demand for diverse tourism experiences, with domestic bookings of travel packages, including flights, hotels and dining, jumping by 40 percent, according to Fliggy, a popular travel platform.

    Data from Trip.com, another leading travel platform, showed that outbound travel orders had surpassed 2019 level, driven by trips to popular destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

    Notably, inbound tourism exceeded outbound travel, with inbound orders skyrocketing by 60 percent year on year during the holiday, as more foreign tourists flocked to China, drawn by its unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks and vibrant modern attractions.

    The China Tourism Academy predicts that foreign arrivals in the second half of 2024 will exceed 15 million, with the inbound tourism market expected to return to 2019 level, marking the start of a new growth cycle.

    Cultural tourism flourished during the holiday, seeing activities like museum visits, exhibitions and immersive experiences becoming major highlights. Beijing, for instance, hosted over 900 cultural events, an 11-percent increase compared with last year.

    Fueled by the blockbuster video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” north China’s Shanxi has recently seen a phenomenal travel boom, as this province is home to many of the stunning locations featured in the game.

    Analysts expect that as more travelers engage with diverse cultures, the vibrant growth of China’s economy and the richness of its cultural heritage will be fully showcased.

    Spending boost with policy support

    The holiday also sparked a wave of consumer activity, with government-backed incentives playing a key role in heating up the market.

    China unveiled an action plan in March this year to implement a program of large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods to expand domestic demand, and stepped up policy support in July with an extra funds injection of 300 billion yuan via ultra-long special treasury bonds.

    Encouraged by the trade-in policy and automaker discounts, the holiday period saw new car sales increase by 11.7 percent — with new energy vehicle sales surging 45.8 percent year on year.

    During the holiday, JD.com, a leading online retailer, reported an increase of 67 percent in home appliance sales compared with 2023, while home appliance retailer, Suning, saw trade-in orders rising by 132 percent year on year.

    According to the Ministry of Commerce, in the first three days of the holiday, 1.04 million consumers purchased 1.55 million home appliances under the trade-in program, contributing to sales of 7.36 billion yuan.

    Powered by the travel and tourism surge, the dining sector across China sizzled with energy. Data from Meituan, one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms for services, showed that from Oct.1 to 5, daily average dine-in consumption rose 33.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

    Audiences packed cinemas, with a total of 2.1 billion yuan in box office takings recorded during the holiday.

    Local governments rolled out policy measures to spur consumption. Shanghai, for instance, injected 5 billion yuan into vouchers for dining, entertainment and shopping, while cities including Chongqing hosted a variety of promotions to spark consumption.

    “The robust holiday consumption highlights China’s vast market, and its strong economic resilience and great potential,” said Xu Guangjian, a professor at the Renmin University of China.

    The accelerated integration of culture, sports and tourism, along with evolving business models, is creating new opportunities for sustained growth, further consolidating the role of consumption as a key driver of the economy, Xu noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nobel Prize in physics awarded to AI pioneers

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics is announced in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics went to two scientists, John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton, for their foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Tuesday.

    This year’s laureates for the prize “used fundamental concepts from statistical physics to design artificial neural networks that function as associative memories and find patterns in large data sets,” said Ellen Moons, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

    Hopfield works at Princeton University and Hinton at the University of Toronto. They used tools from physics to develop methods that are the foundation of today’s powerful machine learning, the academy said in a press release.

    Artificial neural networks, now crucial to various fields, have advanced physics research and become integral to daily life, with applications such as facial recognition and language translation, Moons noted.

    Moons said the benefits of machine learning are extensive, but the technology’s rapid development has raised concerns about its long-term effects. She stressed that “humans carry the responsibility for using this new technology in a safe and ethical way for the greatest benefit of humankind.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, US commerce ministers hold phone talks

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a telephone talk with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Tuesday, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.

    The two sides conducted candid, in-depth and pragmatic communication on economic and trade issues of respective concern, with a focus on the implementation of the important consensus reached between the two heads of state of China and the United States at the San Francisco meeting.

    The phone conversation is an arrangement under the communication mechanism between the two commerce departments.

    The San Francisco meeting has pointed out direction for the development of the China-U.S. economic and trade relations, said Wang.

    The commerce departments of the two countries have maintained close contact at different levels, said Wang, adding that positive progress has been made in expanding cooperation, managing differences, and addressing specific concerns of enterprises.

    China-U.S. economic and trade relations should become the “ballast” in bilateral relations, he said.

    Wang said that China is willing to work with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation to jointly implement the consensus reached at the San Francisco meeting, and put China-U.S. relations back on the right track.

    Wang expressed serious concerns about the U.S. semiconductor policy towards China and the restrictions on Chinese connected vehicles.

    It’s necessary to clarify the national security boundaries in the economic and trade field, as it is conducive to maintaining the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains, and creating a favorable policy environment for cooperation between the business communities from the two countries, Wang stressed.

    China urges the U.S. side to pay attention to the specific concerns of Chinese enterprises, promptly lift sanctions on Chinese companies, and improve the business environment for Chinese companies in the United States, Wang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Turnover hits record high on China’s stock markets

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Oct. 8, 2024 shows the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The combined turnover of China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses reached 3.45 trillion yuan (about 487.92 billion U.S. dollars) on Tuesday, surpassing the 2.59 trillion-yuan turnover recorded on Sept. 30 and hitting a new high.

    The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index went up 4.59 percent to close at 3,489.78 points, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed 9.17 percent higher at 11,495.1 points.

    Over 5,000 stocks ended higher, with the server-operating-system and semiconductor sectors leading the gains.

    The ChiNext Index, tracking China’s Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, gained 17.25 percent to close at 2,550.28 points.

    The market sentiment rose strongly on the Chinese government’s announcement of a mix of policy measures including monetary stimulus and property market support policies to galvanize the economy’s rebound.

    On Sept. 24, the People’s Bank of China announced a cut in the reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 percentage points for financial institutions. On Sept. 29, it announced a reduction in the mortgage rates for first homes, second homes and more by no lower than 30 basis points below the loan prime rate by the end of this month.

    On the same day, China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development also vowed support to stabilize the real estate market, by encouraging municipal governments, especially those in the first-tier cities, to leverage their decision-making powers to regulate the real estate market, and adjust policies restricting housing purchases based on local conditions.

    China is confident of achieving the full-year growth target, while mulling new supporting policies to sustain the steady and healthy economic growth, the country’s top economic planner told a press conference Tuesday.

    More efforts will be made to bolster the capital market, by vigorously guiding medium and long-term funds into the capital market, promoting mergers and acquisitions among listed companies, as well as mulling over and introducing measures to protect small and medium-sized investors, said Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Crow Joins Colorado Leaders to Host Third Future of Buckley Space Force Base Meeting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    Congressman Crow was joined by Senator Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Primavera, Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor, and Buckley SFB leadership to discuss the future of the base

    AURORA — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), former Army Ranger, joined Colorado leaders to host the third Future of Buckley Task Force meeting. This event brings together high-level defense community stakeholders and base leaders for an open discussion on the future of Buckley as well as ongoing efforts to support Buckley’s mission and Colorado’s military community. Topics included energy resilience and infrastructure projects on the base; 140th Wing recapitalization efforts; and improving quality of life for servicemembers and base personnel.

    This year, Congressman Crow was joined by Senator John Hickenlooper, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor, and Buckley Space Force Base leadership.

    “Supporting Buckley Space Force Base is a major priority of mine in Congress,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m glad to have Senator Hickenlooper, Lieutenant Governor Primavera, Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor, and Buckley leadership here today at the third Future of Buckley Task Force meeting to support Buckley’s mission, uplift our military community, and solidify Colorado’s role as a global aerospace leader.”

    Buckley Space Force Base is a key economic driver for Colorado. The base employs 3,100 active duty members, 4,000 National Guard personnel and Reservists, 2,400 civilians, and 2,500 contractors. It is estimated that Buckley contributes $1 billion annually to the local economy. 

    This third meeting of the Future of Buckley Task Force builds on Congressman Crow’s longstanding work to support Buckley Space Force Base and solidify Colorado’s role as a global aerospace leader. In December 2023, Congressman Crow secured key priorities in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, including bipartisan legislation to ensure that the U.S. Air Force conducts necessary planning to ensure that aging jets are replaced at bases nationwide. As part of the NDAA, Congressman Crow also secured $14.7M for critical water and electric infrastructure upgrades at Buckley. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Heavy-duty gas turbine undergoes first ignition test

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A view of China’s self-developed 300 MW F-class heavy-duty gas turbine. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s independently developed 300 megawatt F-class heavy-duty gas turbine successfully completed its first ignition test on Monday in Shanghai’s Lingang area, underscoring the nation’s advancements toward enhanced energy security and sustainable development.

    The 300MW F-class unit, developed by China United Gas Turbine Technology Co, represents the largest and most technologically advanced heavy-duty gas turbine China has developed entirely through domestic efforts. Its technical indicators match those of mainstream international F-class turbine models currently in operation worldwide, according to the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

    The ignition validates the turbine’s overall design integrity, manufacturing quality and functionality of the testing systems, paving the way for comprehensive operational verification trials.

    “This breakthrough follows over eight years of intensive research and development,” said Minister Jin Zhuanglong. “This successful ignition is another milestone following the rollout of the first prototype in February, officially advancing the program into full machine testing and validation.”

    Mo Jingfei, director of the science and technology management department at China United Gas Turbine Technology, highlighted the unit’s generating capacity.

    “It is estimated that under a combined cycle configuration, a single set of this equipment could generate approximately 450,000 kilowatts per hour — equivalent to one-eighth of the average hourly electricity consumption in Beijing,” he was quoted by Xinhua News Agency.

    Compared with the generation efficiency of 35-46 percent for conventional thermal power, the generation efficiency of combined cycle power plants can reach 55 percent, and can be coupled with new energy to better meet user demands in peak adjustment, Mo added.

    As a type of internal combustion and a core engine in the energy sector, gas turbines generate power by burning fuel like natural gas mixed with air to spin turbine blades. They can operate continuously for long periods in high-temperature, high-stress and highly corrosive environments. Based on operating temperatures, the heavy-duty units are classified into E, F, G/H and J classes, with F-class representing the mainstream global model operating at around 1,400 C.

    Compared to traditional coal and oil-fired power plants, natural gas-fired turbines emit significantly lower levels of pollutants. Their carbon dioxide emissions are approximately half those of coal-fired power plants, making this cleaner, more sustainable technology essential for China and other nations striving to meet environmental goals. These turbines have widespread applications in ground-based power generation and peak shaving for power grids.

    However, developing huge, ultrahigh temperature gas turbines is widely regarded as an immense engineering challenge. As reported by local news portal The Paper, for about six decades, the global heavy-duty gas turbine market has been dominated by US, German and Japanese manufacturers, and China’s gas turbine industry has been plagued by latecomer challenges such as design complexity and restricted access to proprietary foreign technologies.

    The tide began to turn in 2012 when China’s State Council launched the national strategic program focused on aero engines and gas turbines. In 2014, major enterprises, including the former China Power Investment Corporation, joined forces to establish a united company in Shanghai to spearhead development efforts through independent design efforts and strategic technology cooperation.

    In 2017, the united company became China United Gas Turbine Technology Co, which was tasked with leading national R&D initiatives from fundamental research to prototype manufacturing and validation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City’s Community Funding Policy receives a revamp

    Source: Government of Western Australia

    Revised Community Funding Policy supports community success.

    The City of Wanneroo Council has endorsed a revised Community Funding Policy that offers greater benefits for eligible recipients and streamlines the process of applying for our Kickstarter Fund, Participation Fund and Community Grants.

    Reviewed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, the new policy also recognises the increased costs of delivering community initiatives, with increased funding stream caps of 18 per cent for the remainder of 2024/25, and annual increases of 2.5 per cent in 2025/26 and 2026/27.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said the community funding empowered residents and groups to contribute positively to their communities.

    “We want to support initiatives that enhance community participation and connection, improve wellbeing, and promote cultural diversity,” she said.

    “This policy refresh allows the City to keep supporting community-led initiatives that benefit local people.”

    “Last year, the City supported the Landsdale CA Flyers to attend the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation National Cheer and Dance Championships in Melbourne and they came back as national champions!

    “The City’s support is making it possible for individuals and clubs across the sport, arts and culture realms to participate in state, national and international events.

    “I look forward to supporting eligible community groups, clubs, and individuals to succeed in their chosen fields through our improved Policy.”

    For more information on the City’s community funding programs, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/communityfunding

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NRCC Statement on Mike Lipetri Winning NY-03 Debate

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    October 9, 2024

    The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) issued the following statement on Mike LiPetri’s victory in the 3rd Congressional district debate against Tom Suozzi:

    “Mike LiPetri’s performance exemplified someone who prioritizes border security, public safety, affordability and siding with our allies overseas. His commitment to serving the people of Long Island will resonate with voters this November.”  – NRCC Spokeswoman Savannah Viar

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government keeping the National Broadband Network in public hands

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is introducing legislation today to keep the National Broadband Network (NBN) owned by the Australian people – ensuring fast, reliable and affordable internet now and into the future for all Australians.
     
    Our Government committed at the election to deliver accessible internet for all, and today we continue to take that forward.  
     
    High speed broadband is essential to modern life – it allows Australians to work remotely, run their businesses more productively, video-conference with clients and colleagues, supply and receive telehealth services – while enjoying leisure with their families through streaming.
     
    The Coalition rushed to declare the NBN ‘complete’ so they could put it on the block for sale – selling out Australian consumers and regional communities.
     
    The Albanese Government won’t let that happen. This legislation will ensure the NBN is owned by who it belongs to – the Australian people.
     
    This is in addition to what we have already done: 

    1. Invested $2.4 billion to expand full fibre NBN access to an additional 1.5 million premises – including 660,000 rural and regional communities;
    2. From September next year, boosting download speeds by up to 5 times current speeds. A household or small business with a 100 Mbps plan in 2024 will benefit from 500 Mbps connectivity in 2025;
    3. Rolling out more fibre in the fixed line network, upgrading the fixed-wireless network and planning for future needs.

     
    These upgrades are already making a real difference in the lives of Australians through faster more reliable internet access. 
     
    Keeping the NBN in public hands will lock in affordable and accessible high speed internet for all Australians for generations to come.
     
    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 
     
    “All Australians deserve high quality and affordable services no matter their postcode. That includes access to the NBN.
     
    “Keeping the NBN in public hands means high speed broadband remains affordable for Australian families and businesses around the country.
     
    “Upgrades to the NBN are also a key part of our plan for a Future Made in Australia, but achieving this vision won’t happen without a reliable, high-speed National Broadband Network.
     
    “The Coalition made a mess of the NBN – my Government is getting on with the job of fixing it and making sure it stays in public hands, where it belongs.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher: 
     
    “The NBN is critical national infrastructure, and we know that having a faster, higher quality NBN network has a huge impact on Australia’s economy – delivering a $400 billion uplift in GDP by 2030.
     
    “Economic analysis commissioned by NBN Co shows that for every one megabit per second increase in average broadband speed, Australia’s productivity-driven GDP increased on average by 0.04 per cent.
     
    “The Albanese Government is delivering a better NBN for Australians, investing $2.4 billion in the October 2022-23 Budget to expand fibre access to 1.5 million premises by 2025.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland:
     
    “It is only a Labor Government that will ensure the NBN remains in public hands.
     
    “Communities across Australia have told us that the job of upgrading the NBN is not complete, which is why we’re investing in more fibre and fixed wireless upgrades. 
     
    “Australians don’t trust the Coalition not to flog off the NBN just like they did with Telstra, resulting in higher prices and poorer services, especially in the regions.
     
    “This Bill will ensure the NBN continues to deliver for all Australians – improving digital inclusion and price certainty for industry and consumers.
     
    “The Government is delivering on our election commitments to provide fast, reliable and affordable broadband to all Australians, and only by keeping the NBN in the ownership of the Australian people will that vision continue to be delivered.”
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Question time response – National Broadband Network

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Question – Federal Member for Chishlom, Dr Carina Garland

    How will keeping the National Broadband Network from public ownership deliver productivity, connectivity and cost-of-living benefits for Australians?
     

    Answer – Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP 

    I thank the Member for her question. Labor founded the National Broadband Network to provide fast and reliable and affordable wideband to all Australians and we are delivering on that vision for a world-class network. Only by keeping the NBN in public ownership, can that vision continue to be delivered.

    Mr Speaker, the NBN is critical infrastructure that reaches over 12 million premises across Australia. More than 8.6 million homes are currently connected to the NBN. On Government ownership of the NBN, it will help keep wholesale broadband prices more affordable for consumers than if the company was in private ownership. The Albanese Government is investing $2.4 billion over four years to give more households and businesses full-fibre access. 

    More than 70,000 km of new fibre has been rolled out. And, over 2300 fixed wireless towers have been upgraded. Mr Speaker, for the first time, this work is progressing on time and on budget. Fibre speeds can deliver speeds 18 times faster than the average connection and is less likely to drop out. 

    From next year, Mr Speaker, the NBN will be boosting download speeds by up to five times current speeds at no extra wholesale cost. Mr Speaker. The productivity and efficiency gains are significant. Research commissioned by NBN shows that Australians save more than 100 hours and $2580 per year in avoided travel time and costs in working from home and undertaking tasks online. 

    And, Mr Speaker, we know that the Coalition wants to sell the NBN just like they sold Telstra. Just like they sold Telstra. In fact, the former Minister declared in 2020, that the NBN was built and fully operational. Mission accomplished, he declared. Despite the fact that there were still millions of Australians on a fixed-line footprint, stranded on deteriorating Coalition copper. They took the first step in the NBN sale process. 

    This was the legacy of the ill-fated copper experiment that blew out the cost of the NBN from $29 billion to $41 billion and then $49 billion and then $57 billion and we know that the Liberals have fallen, selling off assets and leaving ordinary Australians with higher prices and poorer services and The Nationals two weeks to stand up to them.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: US and Multinational Partners Prepare for Largest Indo-Pacific Army Exercise

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii  –  

    The 25th Infantry Division and The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) is set to execute its largest Combat Training Center (CTC) rotation to date, beginning Oct. 7, 2024. JPMRC 25-01 will span from Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands, and over to Palau and is the only CTC that can stress the system that hard.

    As the U.S. Army’s premier training center in the Indo-Pacific, JPMRC plays a pivotal role in ensuring military readiness by providing a realistic training environment that mimics the region’s challenging jungle to high-altitude volcanic desert and archipelagic environment.

    The 25-01 rotation will bring together U.S. military forces alongside regional Allies and partners to conduct multi-domain, live, virtual, and constructive training in preparation for future operations.

    As the primary training audience, the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team (2LBCT) will work alongside units from the 11th Airborne Division, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, selected units from United States Army Special Operations Command, and multinational partners. Together, these forces will tackle the simulated operational environments, ensuring that they are well-prepared to operate cohesively in real-world situations.

    In preparation for the largest JPMRC rotation, operations staffs at echelon are critical. With the essential duties of planning, coordinating, and supervising all operational and training activities within a battalion, the operations staff ensures that units are prepared, synchronized, and effective in both peacetime and combat scenarios.

    “In the JPMRC timeline, we execute the operations order brief to the brigade commander,” explains U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Onorato, a S-3 (Operations) officer assigned to 2LBCT, 25th Inf. Div. “It allows all the subordinate units of 2nd brigade to synchronize and work together effectively to ultimately achieve our goal of successful operations for JPMRC.”

    This year’s rotation features participation from Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Maldives, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These forces will engage in collaborative exercises that simulate complex, multi-domain challenges.

    JPMRC 25-01 will validate 2LBCT’s Transformation in Contact construct in a real-time, high-pressure environment. Aligned with the campaign of learning, 2LBCT will incorporate lessons learned from the 101st Airborne recent rotation at Joint Readiness Training Center. They will further test new technologies and systems designed to improve our warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

    JPMRC provides a key opportunity for the force to train in austere environments, develop leaders, systems, and processes that will enhance overall military capability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    “Coming out to the field allows us to do a proof of concept,” explains U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nathan Morgan, a maintenance platoon leader assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, “With the proper planning and training we can execute major mission functions in any environment.”

    As the largest JPMRC rotation ever held in Hawaii, 25-01 demonstrates the U.S. Army’s relentless pursuit of excellence, and its commitment to ensuring that U.S. forces, alongside their Allies and Partners, remain prepared for whatever challenges the future may hold in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Call With Japan’s Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

    Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Japan’s Minister of Defense, Nakatani Gen.

    Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Nakatani on his recent appointment at a time when the United States and Japan continue making historic progress on Alliance priorities. The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to modernize Alliance command and control and expand bilateral presence in Japan’s Southwest Islands. The two officials also reiterated the importance of deepening defense cooperation with regional partners to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    Secretary Austin expressed his hope that they would have an opportunity to meet in person soon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How we partnered with local communities to halve skin sores among Aboriginal children in remote WA

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asha Bowen, Team Lead, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention, Telethon Kids Institute

    Aboriginal children living in remote communities have the highest rate of skin sores, or impetigo, in the world. Almost one in two have skin sores at any one time.

    Skin sores are a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that may be itchy and painful, but often go unnoticed by children. Parents are more likely to be concerned about the pus and thick crust that develops.

    Scabies, another skin infection, also disproportionately affects children in remote Indigenous communities in Australia (as many as one in three).

    In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Aboriginal children are 34 times more likely than non-Aboriginal children to be admitted to hospital with skin infections in their first year of life. Untreated, these skin infections can lead to other health issues including sepsis, rheumatic fever and kidney disease.

    With this in mind, we’ve been working for the past five years with nine communities in the Kimberley region on a comprehensive skin health program. Each of the communities has a remote health-care clinic staffed by a mix of nurses, Aboriginal health workers and doctors.

    Today, we’ve published two new studies outlining the progress we’ve made to reduce skin infections in children in these communities. Since we started the program, rates of skin sores have halved from around four in ten children to around two in ten.

    The SToP program

    We partnered with Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations and schools in the Kimberley region and co-designed a program called SToP. It stands for “See, Treat and Prevent”.

    Our initial focus was going to be on diagnosing and treating skin sores and scabies. However, community members highlighted the need to incorporate a strong focus on prevention and health promotion too.

    The SToP model included training health-care workers in the remote health clinics, community members and school staff to recognise skin infections. The health-care workers were also trained to provide the latest evidence-based treatment for patients with skin sores and scabies.

    The prevention activities included recording a hip-hop video with children, developing eight unique healthy skin books in local languages, and yarning with community members. They consistently highlighted the importance of investing in environmental health, including housing maintenance to support healthy living.

    Local children recorded a hip-hop video to promote healthy skin.

    As part of the SToP program, and to track its results, more than 770 children aged zero to 15 years received regular skin checks over four years from 2019 to 2022. We visited each of the nine communities up to three times each year and completed more than 3,000 skin checks.

    One limitation of our research is that the trial was completed during COVID. Regional travel bans forced it to pause for several months in 2020.

    The primary aim was to reduce the burden of skin sores by half in school-aged children. We also tracked impetigo and scabies burden in younger children up to age four, and overall clinic presentations for skin infections.

    Our results, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health today, confirm skin sores decreased in school-aged children in the first year and improvements were sustained throughout the trial.

    Across all communities, skin sores reduced from four in ten children at the start of the study to two in ten children by the end. Most of this reduction occurred in 2019 when skin checks started.

    Scabies also declined, but was found in less than one in ten children throughout the study.

    The skin checks were the most important and likely most effective part of the study. Community members want these to continue for all age groups, to extend beyond just the children involved in the study.

    Presentations to the remote health clinics for skin infections in each community increased during the trial and stayed high. This suggests the community involvement and focus on healthy skin was reaching all age groups.

    Despite training and resource development, uptake of the recommended treatments at the clinic was low.

    We predicted at the start of the study that using treatment as prevention, supported by training on the latest evidence-based treatments available, would be the most effective strategy. This turned out to not occur at all. High turnover of clinic staff and longstanding treatment preferences may be the reason.

    A holistic approach

    While our research has been published today, the results were first presented to community members in 2023. More than 85 community members were able to share their interpretation of the SToP results with us. They strengthened the story we’ve been able to tell in our published papers.

    The second paper, in eClinical Medicine, provides a comprehensive, multi-methods evaluation of the trial. Through this process, community members and service providers helped our research team understand the trial results and the critical factors for success.

    Future studies should continue to partner with local Aboriginal communities and enable community voices to inform all aspects of the research.

    The SToP trial brought together Western medical approaches with community voices to better inform skin disease control where the burden of skin sores and scabies was high. The results have been positive.

    We hope there will be future opportunities to implement activities like this in more Indigenous communities across Australia. As a starting point, a variety of SToP resources are available to access. The healthy skin books have been shared with other communities to translate into local contexts and languages.

    The skin is the largest organ of the body and always visible. Improvements in skin health can prevent other, more serious health consequences, while also contributing to overall wellbeing.

    Asha Bowen receives funding from National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and Healthy.

    Hannah M.M. Thomas, Lorraine Anderson, and Rachel Burgess do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How we partnered with local communities to halve skin sores among Aboriginal children in remote WA – https://theconversation.com/how-we-partnered-with-local-communities-to-halve-skin-sores-among-aboriginal-children-in-remote-wa-240663

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: General out-patient clinic service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    General out-patient clinic service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival
    General out-patient clinic service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival
    ***********************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:     The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (October 9) announced that 14 general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday GOPC services on the Chung Yeung Festival holiday (October 11) (see table below). Patients may book an appointment either through the telephone appointment system or the “Book GOPC” function of the “HA Go” mobile app.     The spokesperson reminded members of the public that they should stay vigilant to personal and environmental hygiene during the public holiday to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly. Apart from GOPCs of the HA, patients may also consider attending consultation by private family doctors. To choose a suitable family doctor and related clinic service, the public can browse the Primary Care Directory of the Health Bureau at http://www.pcdirectory.gov.hk.     Moreover, the HA is currently providing seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible persons at public hospitals and outpatient clinics. The spokesperson said that eligible patients can receive vaccinations at the time of their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with a distant follow-up appointment date may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements. The spokesperson emphasised, “As Hong Kong is about to enter winter, the risk of influenza transmission increases. High-risk individuals such as chronic disease patients, the elderly and children may develop severe complications after an influenza infection, leading to serious illness or death. Members of the public should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations as soon as possible to enhance immunity against influenza and greatly reduce the risk of serious illness or death from infection.”GOPC service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival (October 11) 

    Region
    List of GOPCs
    Address
    Telephone number for booking
    General enquiries

    Hong Kong Island
    Aberdeen Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen
    3543 5011
    2555 0381

    Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    1/F, 8 Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan
    3157 0077
    2560 0211

    Violet Peel General Out-patient Clinic
    LG, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
    3157 0000
    3553 3116

    Kowloon
    Kwun Tong Community Health Centre
    UG/F, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong
    3157 0687
    2389 0331

    Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic
    G/F, Out-patient Block, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, 118 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin
    3157 0118
    2354 2267

    Robert Black General Out-patient Clinic
    600 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong
    3157 0113
    2383 3311

    Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    1/F, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei
    3157 0880
    2272 2400

    New Territories
    Lady Trench General Out-patient Clinic
    213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan
    3157 0107
    2614 4789

    Lek Yuen General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street, Sha Tin
    3157 0972
    2692 8730

    Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 108-130 Jockey Club Road, Shek Wu Hui, Sheung Shui
    3157 0965
    2670 0211

    Tai Po Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po
    3157 0906
    2664 2039

    Tseung Kwan O (Po Ning Road) General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 28 Po Ning Road, Tseung Kwan O
    3157 0660
    2191 1083

    Tuen Mun Clinic
    11 Tsing Yin Street, San Hui, Tuen Mun
    3543 0886
    2452 9111

    Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre
    269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long
    3543 5007
    2443 8511

     Service hours:9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NRCC Statement on Rep. Juan Ciscomani Defeating Extreme Kirsten Engel In 2nd AZ-06 Debate

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    October 9, 2024

    The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) today released a statement following Representative Juan Ciscomani’s decisive debate victory in Arizona’s 6th Congressional district tonight:

    “Southern Arizonans saw a clear contrast. Representative Juan Ciscomani demonstrated why Arizonans trust him to lower the cost of living and protect their communities from the border crisis, and how he’s delivering results as Arizona’s most-bipartisan Member of Congress. 

    Extreme liberal Kirsten Engel lashed out with lies because her radical record has no defense. Arizonans don’t support Engel calling to defund the police, denying the border crisis, raising their taxes or abusing taxpayer resources.” – NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest for driver who damaged two police vehicles and assaulted police officers

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Leo Belay, Waikato Police

    Today police arrested a man who drove his vehicle into two police vehicles after fleeing from officers who were conducting a traffic stop at Five Cross Roads, Claudelands.

    Officers responded and located the vehicle following complaints from members of the public about the manner of driving.

    At about 10.15am the vehicle was located at the Five Cross Roads shops where police staff approached and spoke with the driver.

    After refusing to engage with Police, the driver then fled from the traffic stop and subsequently spikes were successfully deployed.

    The vehicle then fled to nearby Claude Street, where police converged and located the man driving in a dangerous manner on the road committing sustained loss of traction.

    While police were responding to the vehicle on Claude Street, the driver deliberately drove his vehicle into two of the responding police units, causing significant damage to all three vehicles involved.

    No one was injured as a result of the vehicle collisions.

    To mitigate the risk that the driver posed to the public, further police units that were responding managed to successfully block in the offending vehicle and safely bring it to a stop.

    The driver then resisted arrest, and during this process police have deployed tactical options, such as Taser and OC spray.

    The driver was restrained and taken into custory without further incident.

    During the arrest process, two police officers were assaulted by the driver, however their injuries were minor.

    A 39-year-old man will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow charged with Failure to remain stopped for an enforcement officer, Operating a motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction, Driving in a dangerous manner, Assaults person with a blunt instrument (police), Assaults police, and Resists police.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Property owner fined over $230,000 for persistently not complying with removal orders

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Property owner fined over $230,000 for persistently not complying with removal orders
    Property owner fined over $230,000 for persistently not complying with removal orders
    *************************************************************************************

         A property owner who persistently failed to comply with two removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) was convicted and fined over $230,000 in September 2024 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts.      Both removal orders involved unauthorised building works (UBWs) at a three-storey house on Yu Chui Street, Tai Lam, Tuen Mun. The first removal order included illegal site formation works for constructing an unauthorised platform of about 122 square metres on a slope adjoining an approved garden, erection of a floor slab over a void adjacent to an approved dining room, removing parts of external walls and constructing unauthorised structures to extend the floors at different levels of the building with a total floor area of about 57 sq m. The second removal order included an unauthorised canopy at a ground floor entrance. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), two removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.      Failing to comply with the first removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD six times, was fined over $350,000 in total and was given a four-month imprisonment sentence suspended for two years upon convictions by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted for the seventh time. The owner also did not comply with the second removal order and he was prosecuted at the same time. The owner was convicted at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on December 2, 2022, and the court adjourned the hearing and ordered the owner to report on the status of the removal of the UBWs before handing down a sentence. On the adjourned hearing date of September 27, 2024, the owner reported to the court that the UBWs under the second removal order had been removed and a contractor had been appointed to follow up on the remaining UBWs removal work under the first removal order. Eventually the owner was fined by the court $239,100 in total, of which $113,100 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued.      A spokesman for the BD today (October 9) said, “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. The owners concerned must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement actions and consider instigating prosecution against the owners again if they persist in not complying with the orders, so as to ensure building safety.”      Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MPs attend 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly to debate peace, innovation, and the future of Parliaments

    Source: New Zealand Parliament

    Media Release
    Wednesday 9 October

    A cross-party delegation of members of Parliament (MPs) will join representatives from over 140 other parliaments at the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The New Zealand delegation will be led by Stuart Smith MP with Tangi Utikere MP, Kahurangi Carter MP, and Hon Rachel Brooking MP attending.  

    The Assembly is a biannual event, and the theme for this conference is ‘Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future’. A general debate will give the delegates the opportunity to hear from their overseas counterparts, and to offer a unique New Zealand perspective on the Assembly’s key themes.

    MPs will also take part in forums on Women Parliamentarians and Young Parliamentarians, and workshops and discussions on topics such as the future of Parliaments. Committees will explore subjects such as peace and international security, and democracy and human rights.

    Events from the Assembly will be live streamed on the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) YouTube channel.

    The IPU is the global organisation of national Parliaments, founded more than 130 years ago. It is made up of 180 different national parliaments, 15 associate members, and more than 70 observer organisations. The Assembly is an opportunity to build relationships and network with a diverse range of countries and Parliaments.

    The delegation will also attend the 28th EU-NZ Inter-Parliamentary Meeting in Brussels, where they will recommence dialogue with the members of the European Parliament following recent EU elections.

    ENDS

    The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 13–17 October 2024. Find out more about the 149th IPU Assembly. 

    IPU Assemblies are held twice a year in different cities around the world, with more than 1,200 delegates attending each one. The New Zealand group of the IPU is chaired by Stuart Smith MP. 

    Inter-Parliamentary Relations are a way for members of New Zealand’s Parliament to keep Parliament relevant, effective, and innovative. Dialogue between members of different parliaments increases mutual understanding between countries, develops best practice, and ensures New Zealand is playing an active part in the international community. Members’ active participation in inter-parliamentary activities improves their knowledge and insights as legislators, which in turn improves parliamentary scrutiny of Government.

    Contact Information

    For more information contact IPR@parliament.govt.nz

    For media enquiries contact:

    communications.team@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: National bent the rules to keep coalition commitment

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government bent all sorts of rules to give $24 million to Gumboot Friday just to fulfil a coalition agreement.

    “The Auditor General’s damning findings today make it crystal clear that coalition agreements alone cannot be used to justify government expenditure,” Labour mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary said.

    “The findings say the procurement process was “unusual and inconsistent” with the principles used to procure government services.

    “The Government talks a big game about spending public money wisely yet used a loophole to get Gumboot Friday funding across the line without a fair and transparent process.

    “They did this because they had already decided before coming into government that Gumboot Friday was an organisation they wanted to fund.

    “It’s outrageous that the loophole was used to “retrospectively justify an outcome that had already been decided” which flies in the face of goo procurement.

    “By pre-cooking the outcome National forced officials to use a legal loophole they know was never intended for this type of procurement.

    “Ministers must stop from riding roughshod over procurement rules to maintain public trust and confidence and NZ’s reputation for public sector integrity.

    “Meanwhile other mental health community groups locked out of government funding are struggling to provide critical services to their communities, and several have already closed,” Ingrid Leary said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China studying measures to raise tariffs on imported large-engine fuel vehicles: ministry

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is studying measures on increasing tariffs for imported fuel-powered cars with large-displacement engines, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Tuesday.

    China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries and enterprises, according to a spokesperson from the MOC.

    The MOC announced on Tuesday that it will impose temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy originating from the European Union (EU) in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, while adhering to World Trade Organization rules.

    China is also conducting the anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products imported from the EU, as well as the anti-subsidy probe into certain imported EU dairy products, which will fully protect the rights of all stakeholders and make an objective and fair ruling based on the results of the investigations, the spokesperson added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China handles about 6.3B parcels during holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An exhibitor operates an unmanned autonomous delivery vehicle for courier service displayed at the World Intelligence Expo 2024 in north China’s Tianjin, June 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s postal and express delivery industry handled around 6.3 billion parcels during the seven-day National Day holiday that ended on Monday, reflecting vibrant tourism and consumption during the period.

    A total of 3.16 billion parcels were collected during the holiday, with the average daily collection volume increasing by 28.4 percent compared with the National Day holiday last year, according to data released by the State Post Bureau on Tuesday.

    The number of parcels delivered totaled 3.12 billion, and the daily volume of delivered parcels during the period expanded by 26.7 percent from the National Day holiday period in 2023.

    Relevant enterprises have taken multiple measures to meet the robust demand nationwide, including extending service times and cooperating with cultural and tourism enterprises, said the bureau.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China confident to achieve full-year growth target

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 2, 2024 shows a container vessel berthing at the smart zero-carbon terminal of Tianjin Port in north China’s Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China is confident to maintain steady and healthy economic growth and achieve the full-year growth target, the country’s top economic planner said Tuesday.

    The market sentiment has improved recently with a pick-up of the purchasing managers’ index in the manufacturing sector, a warming stock market and a vital consumption market during the National Day holiday following the implementation of existing policies and the additional policies unveiled recently, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a press conference.

    The fundamentals of China’s economic development have not changed, and favorable conditions such as huge market potential and strong economic resilience have not changed, said Zheng.

    China’s financial authorities announced a broader-than-expected policy package last month to stimulate economic recovery. These policy measures include reducing the reserve requirement ratio for banks and mortgage rates for existing homes, as well as introducing new monetary programs to boost the capital market, among other initiatives.

    The recently unveiled package of additional policies was designed to strengthen counter-cyclical macro policy adjustment, expand effective domestic demand, increase efforts to help enterprises, stabilize the real estate market and boost the capital market, Zheng said.

    The Chinese economy was able to maintain overall stable growth, with progress made in the first three quarters, said Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the NDRC, in the press conference.

    With the effect of additional policies gradually emerging, China’s economic vitality will be further unleashed, market confidence will be further strengthened, and the foundation for the high-quality development and stable economic operation will be further consolidated, said Zhao.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK test-fires multiple rocket launcher shells

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Academy of Defence Sciences of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted a test-fire of 240 mm-caliber controllable multiple rocket launcher shells on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday.

    The test-fire aimed at reconfirming the hit accuracy of the rocket launcher shells at a maximum range of 67 km while checking the reliability of the automatic firing system, the KCNA said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: A-share market set to further buoy confidence

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Following the A-share market’s recent robust recovery buoyed by a number of stronger-than-expected stimulative policies, increasingly confident investors are attaching more attention to the stock market, whose upward momentum can be further consolidated by more supportive measures and the ongoing optimization of China’s economic growth, said industry experts.

    Preparations were made during the National Day holiday, which ended on Monday. The Shanghai Stock Exchange announced on Sunday that it will add an extra five minutes, from 9:25 to 9:30 on each trading day, for designated transactions. The new policy will take effect on Tuesday, the first trading day after the holiday.

    As explained by industry experts, a designated transaction is a step that an investor must take between opening a new stock account and commencing trading on the SSE.The latest adjustment at the SSE has been made to address the surging number of newly registered retail investors over the past few days and to facilitate trading efficiency once the market resumes, they said.

    The market’s upbeat sentiment can be felt at securities brokerages. Leading brokerages provided round-the-clock online account opening and consulting services during the recent holiday. Sinolink Securities said the account opening appointments they received during the holiday jumped 150 percent from a month earlier. Minsheng Securities said the number of daily requests for opening stock accounts over the past seven days was four times the amount before the holiday.

    To meet such surging demand, the securities account platform and identification information checking system at China Securities Depository and Clearing Co resumed operation on Sunday and Monday.

    Investor confidence has been supported by the A-share market’s recent strong rebound. Ever since the batch of incremental policies was introduced on Sept 24, the Shanghai Composite Index gained 20 percent by the end of September, with the Shenzhen Component Index up 29 percent. The combined trading value at the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges hit a new single-day record of 2.6 trillion yuan ($370 billion) on Sept 30.

    Laura Wang, chief China equity strategist at Morgan Stanley, said on Oct 3 that Chinese equities will gain another 10 to 15 percent on average if a new round of fiscal expenditure measures can be released in the following weeks.

    At a news conference scheduled for Tuesday, officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s top economic regulator, will explain their measures to better implement the range of supportive policies released in late September, in order to further advance economic growth and optimize China’s economic structure.

    Yang Delong, chief economist at First Seafront Fund, said the 140-trillion-yuan Chinese household savings will provide more capital for the A-share market after the National Day holiday, providing more upward impetus for the indexes.

    The increase in the Hong Kong stock market has already overtaken that of the A-share market as the latter took more days off for the holiday, said experts at Shenwan Hongyuan Securities. Therefore, a continued rally can be expected from the A-share market in the short run to narrow the price gap with Hong Kong, they added.

    Dai Kang, managing director of the development research center at GF Securities, said private equity investment funds have increased their exposure to the A-share market, which has just seen the strongest rebound in months. Chinese policymakers have smartly used the time window of interest rate cuts made by the US Federal Reserve to introduce stronger-than-expected supportive measures, he said.

    Goldman Sachs upgraded its call on Chinese stocks to overweight, saying that recent stimulus measures have bolstered confidence, and Chinese equities’ valuations are below historical averages while their earnings could further improve.

    Qiu Xiang, joint chief strategist at CITIC Securities, said that the current A-share market rally is mainly supported by reversed market expectations, as a result of the innovative monetary policies and a relaxed grip on the property market announced in late September. A further market recovery can be expected, with companies showing improving earnings and those benefiting from a recovery in domestic demand offering more opportunities to investors, he added.

    Analysts from Huafu Securities also warned investors of the possibility of adjustments and fluctuations in the A-share market after it experienced a drastic increase. But the recent bull run is far from its end. The overall rise will last longer, they said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Home sales up in holiday period

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This file photo shows a renovated residential building in a community in Yanta District of Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Home sales and inquiries by potential buyers rose considerably in benchmark cities including Beijing and Shanghai during the just-concluded National Day holiday, thanks to a number of optimization measures rolled out by the central government and first-tier cities, industry experts said on Tuesday.

    This is playing a positive role in digesting the housing policies and shoring up market sentiment, they added.

    After announcing policies to free up restrictions on home purchases ahead of the weeklong holiday, China’s top-tier cities saw a market recovery during the holiday period, despite it being a conventional low season for home transactions, the experts said.

    Some 59,000 square meters of new home space were traded across Shanghai in the first six days of October, doubling from that of last year’s 29,000 sq m, said Lu Wenxi, a market analyst with Centaline Shanghai.

    In the pre-owned homes market, 2,133 units of existing residential properties changed hands during the weeklong holiday, more than twice the 1,064 units registered during the same period last year, Lu said.

    According to Lu, the market recovery followed a batch of favorable local policies effective on the first day of October, such as the lowering of a threshold for non-local buyers, reduction in down payments for both first-time and second home purchases, and expanding VAT exemptions during home trading.

    “There is an evident warm-up in market confidence as we see some 20 percent rise in business inquiries and visits,” said Ye Yongxiang, an agent with Sinyi Realty in Shanghai’s Xuhui district.

    Ye said it has been an extremely busy holiday season for himself as well as his colleagues, a sharp contrast from the same period during the past two years.

    “Being in the business for nearly a decade, I can really feel the vibes of the market on the rise,” Ye said.

    Beijing saw new home transaction volumes surge 730 percent during the first six days of the month from the same period last year, and its existing home market also experienced a gradual growth since the latter half of the holiday, with trade volumes rising 58 percent compared to last year, according to a report on the official website of Beijing Youth Daily.

    Guangzhou, the capital of South China’s Guangdong province, saw more than 3,000 units of new homes traded at real estate brokerage platform Beike as of 2 pm Monday, more than tripling from that of last year, the local Guangzhou Daily reported.

    The rising market demand could be seen in a broader scale in the secondary home market of major cities.

    As many as 384 units of pre-owned homes were sold daily in six key cities, soaring 117.6 percent year-on-year, according to Linping Real Estate Data Research Institute.

    “The market confidence index has been on an upward trend three weeks in a row, according to the weekly data collected in 50 cities, indicating that the supportive measures introduced one after another have boosted market confidence,” said Wang Xiaoqiang, chief analyst at the institute.

    “The encouraging messages delivered by both local and central governments will certainly help stabilize the property market and improve market confidence,” Wang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai gets ready for 7th CIIE

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An attendee takes photos of a billboard during a pre-expo supply-demand matchmaking meeting for the Intelligent Industry & Information Technology Exhibition Area and Automobile Exhibition Area of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China’s Shanghai, Aug. 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    With less than 30 days left before the seventh China International Import Expo, due preparations are in place while multinational companies from around the world are looking forward to the annual expo to showcase their new products and technologies.

    During a meeting held by the executive committee of the 7th CIIE on Monday, Wang Wentao, minister of Commerce, said that efforts should be made help companies expand the impact of the show. The exhibition should also help to nurture new-quality productive forces and serve the country’s high-quality development, he said.

    By aligning with the world’s highest standards and best levels, Shanghai has stepped up its preparation for the 7th CIIE by addressing new issues and optimizing services in all aspects, Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng said at the Monday meeting.

    Various steps have been taken to further facilitate the entry and exit of people and exhibits.

    Shanghai has launched measures such as renewing valid visas for multiple entries and residence permits for this year’s CIIE.

    Customs clearance instructions and supportive measures have been released. The market supervision department continues to implement supportive policies such as exemption from China Compulsory Certification and temporary licenses for special food exhibitors.

    More convenient payment methods have been introduced. Dazhong Transportation (Group) Co Ltd, a taxi-hailing service provider in Shanghai, will complete the installation of 2,000 POS machines accepting foreign bank cards before the CIIE. All restaurants and catering service providers in the exhibition hall have installed POS machines accessible to foreign bank cards.

    Sustainability is another highlight of this year’s CIIE. The green construction rate and material recycling rate of the exhibition will achieve 100 percent. Up to 10 million kWh of green power will be used at the show.

    The 7th CIIE will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. According to the exhibition’s organizer CIIE bureau, companies have signed up for over 360,000 square meters of exhibition area. More than 70 countries and international organizations will be present at the country exhibition area, overtaking last year’s scale. Norway, Slovakia, Benin, Burundi and Madagascar will participate in the country exhibition for the first time.

    The first inbound exhibit for this year’s show, the three-wheeled concept car made by Japanese manufacturer Yamaha Motor, arrived in Shanghai in September. It will make its debut to the Chinese market via this year’s CIIE.

    It is the seventh year in a row for French beauty giant L’Oreal at the CIIE. This year also marks the fifth consecutive time for the company to work as the chairman of the exhibition’s enterprise alliance.

    “It is both a testimonial of our belief in China and the fact that we want to continue to invest in China,” said Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L’Oreal.

    As Hieronimus further explained, the CIIE is the “only event like this in the world” in which L’Oreal is so involved by introducing new brands, demonstrating the latest innovation results and showcasing technology breakthroughs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National Day holiday sees surge in online payments

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An Indian passenger (L) asks about Weixin Pay, one of China’s major mobile payment platforms, at Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s just-concluded National Day holiday has seen strong consumption momentum, as indicated by a surge in the number of transactions made via Weixin Pay, a major e-payment method in China.

    Over the week-long holiday ending on Monday, the total number of online and offline transactions going through Weixin Pay increased by 20 percent year on year, said a report released by WeChat, an all-in-one social media app operated by Tencent.

    According to the report, cross-border transactions using the service during the period surged by 68 percent compared to last year, suggesting high demand for overseas travel. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Japan are among the most popular overseas destinations based on the transaction figures.

    Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents were also active shoppers on the Chinese mainland during the holiday, with both the number and amount of transactions using WeChat Pay approximately doubling year on year, it said.

    A boom in tourism and consumption has characterized this year’s National Day holiday, during which 765 million domestic trips were made, marking a yearly increase of 5.9 percent, while domestic tourist spending climbed 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.11 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China requests WTO consultations over Türkiye’s EV tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China filed a request on Tuesday for consultations with Türkiye at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over tariffs and licensing measures for imported electric vehicles and other vehicles from China, the Ministry of Commerce said.

    Türkiye announced the imposition of a 40 percent additional tariff on imported electric vehicles and other vehicles from China, in addition to setting import license restrictions.

    “This discriminatory action is a violation of WTO rules and a typical protectionist practice,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

    “We urge Türkiye to abide by its relevant commitments at the WTO and immediately correct its wrong practices,” said the spokesperson, adding that China will take all measures available to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its industries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan duty-free sales exceed $110M

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This aerial photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Offshore duty-free shops on south China’s island province of Hainan generated 785 million yuan (about 111 million U.S. dollars) in sales during the recent National Day holiday, local customs said Tuesday.

    Hainan’s offshore duty-free shops received some 110,200 customers with per capita consumption of 7,124 yuan during this period, Haikou Customs confirmed.

    China released a master plan in June 2020 to build Hainan into a globally influential and high-level free-trade port by the middle of the century. During recent years, the island province has become an attractive shopping destination for domestic consumers.

    Following years of efforts to enhance the local tourism and shopping sector, Hainan now boasts 12 offshore duty-free shops.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Earns American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” Award

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) “Friend of Farm Bureau” award, recognizing her steadfast commitment to Wisconsin farmers and rural communities. Senator Baldwin accepted the award while visiting Messerschmidt Farms in Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

    “Wisconsin farmers are the backbone of our state’s economy and the fabric of our rural communities, and it’s my job to hear their concerns and fight for them in Washington,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I’m honored to be named a ‘Friend of Farm Bureau,’ and look forward to continuing to fight in Washington to give Wisconsin farmers and rural communities the tools they need to succeed for generations to come.”

    “The Wisconsin Farm Bureau supports Senator Tammy Baldwin for her continued dedication to Wisconsin’s agricultural community,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson. “Senator Baldwin has led efforts to enforce FDA labeling standards through the Dairy Pride Act and increased funding in Wisconsin businesses through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, which has directed almost $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses. Her leadership on key legislation like the Meat Business Innovation Act and the Farmland Security Act reflects her commitment to the future of our farmers and rural communities. Senator Baldwin understands the unique challenges facing Wisconsin agriculture and has consistently been a strong voice in Washington, advocating for policies that promote sustainability and growth in our state’s farming industry.”

    AFBF gives the award to members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors. Senator Baldwin was given the award based on her legislative efforts to support Wisconsin’s farm families and agriculture economy. Senator Baldwin has introduced several pieces of legislation backed by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, including:

    • Farmland Security Act, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and oversight of foreign ownership in the American agricultural industry.
    • Protecting Future Farmland Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that federal investments in rural energy projects prioritizes both land stewardship and responsible deployment of renewable energy to protect America’s farmlands for future cultivation.
    • Dairy Business Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities. Senator Baldwin successfully created the DBI Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill and has since delivered $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses innovate and reach new customers.
    • Meat Business Innovation Act, legislation that applies the successful model of the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives to the livestock farming and meat processing industry.
    • DAIRY PRIDE Act, bipartisan legislation to require non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, plants, and algae to no longer be mislabeled with dairy terms such as milk, yogurt or cheese.

    Downloadable pictures from the visit and of Senator Baldwin receiving the award can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –